Tajikisanis to play two friendlies

Bernard Perera

The Sri Lanka national soccer team will get an opportunity to face the national team of Tajikistan in two friendlies to be played here at Sugathadasa stadium on March 27 and 29. This is a fine opportunity for the new look Lankans to play an international team on their home soil.

The Lankan team led by Rohana Ruwantilleke is presently ranked 173rd in the world rankings by the FIFA the governing body for the sport. Meanwhile Tajikistan is placed 148th in the same rankings.

The Lankan team which toured UAE for the pre Olympic qualifying round fared badly losing 7-1 and 3-0 in the two legs. Now the opportunity has come for them to correct their mistakes and march forwards a better future as they are scheduled to tour Nepal next month to play in the Asian Champions Cup.

The tour of Tajikistan for these two matches are sure to give the Lankans to gain the much needed experience in playing against international teams.

The Lankans keeping this in their minds must play as a team to improve their standard. The national coach Jang Jung too will have to look for the best team to play the visitors to pose a threat to them.

Meanwhile Tajikistan will arrive here with much confidence according to the standings in the rankings. They will definitely pose a big problem to the Lankan team. The Lankans on the other side, play good soccer to bring back the lost prestige.

The Lankan team is managed by former national skipper Anura de Silva, while Rajabov Hassan manages the Tajikistanis. Kodirov Pulod is the coach in-charge for the visiting team.

Sri Lanka national team: Asanka Viraj (goalkeeper), M A Badnara Warakagoda (defence), K W S Danushka Wijesiri (midfield), W D Rohana Ruwanthilake (captain) (defence), S N Mohamed Nazar (midfield), M N M Izadeen (forward), T R Tuwan Rizni (midfield), S S K Lahiru Tharaka (midfield), S Sanjeev (midfield), Kaiz M Shafraz (forward), M I Mohamed Zain (midfield), Janka Chaminda (defence), M N Nagur Meera (midfield), C P Philip Dalpethado (midfield), P H Nadeeka Pushpakumara (forward), L A T Suranda Bandara (defence), Sumeda Dilki Kumara (defence), L K Chaturanga Kumara (defence), W S T D Sujan Perera (goalkeeper), B A Sampath Buddika (goalkeeper), M M Sampath Kumara Fernando (goalkeeper), H Peter Charles (defence), W M Chamira Krishantha (defence). Officials: Anurad de Silva (manager), Jang Jung (head coach), D Chandrasiri (coach), U L Thushara Sampath (asst coach), M Abdul Brasith (physio), S N P K Silva (masseur).

Tajikstan national team: Tuychiev Alisher, Tukhasunov Davronjon, Davronov Nuriddin, Tokhiorv Farhod, Kodirov Furug, Fathuloev Fatkhullo, Saidov Kamil, Nazaraov Akhtam, Dodov Alisher, Ergashev Davronjon, Rabimov Ibragim, Rajbov Eraj, Saburov Akmal, Savankulov Sohib, Voiev Dilshod, Saidkov Makhmadali, Rahimov Nizom, Nurulloev Asatullo.

Officials: Kodirov Pulod (head coach), Rajbov Hasan (team manager), Ergashev Mubin (coach), Avezov Marrukh (doctor), Sahirfov Ali (media), Makhmadshoev Islom (interpreter).